MANILA, Philippines ? (UPDATE) From the day the smuggled flour was seized, to the filing of cases against the suspected smugglers and customs personnel involved, to the final forfeiture proceedings -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was there.

True to her word to get tough on "rice and bread bandits," the President returned to the Bureau of Customs Wednesday and was told by Customs commissioner Napoleon Morales that proceedings were ongoing for the forfeiture of the P32-million worth of flour in favor of the government. She was also informed that administrative cases have been filed against three customs personnel allegedly implicated in the case.

Arroyo visited Monday the BoC supposedly to do a spot check of the seized flour in 55 container vans. But instead of inspecting the shipment, the President watched over customs personnel responsible for preparing the smuggling charges against the importer, Rubills International Inc., finish their job.

On Tuesday, the charges of smuggling were formally lodged before the Department of Justice (DoJ).

During the meeting, Arroyo questioned Morales on the proceedings of the case.

Several times, the President interrupted customs officials with her queries.

Lawyer Willy Sarmiento, chief of the Internal Inquiry and Prosecution Division, even mistakenly referred to her as "your honor" as he grappled for answer.

"We have seen the item and it was not properly marked," Morales said

"That's the main issue here ? what should the marking be?" Arroyo asked.

Morales replied, "Following the Consumer Act Madam President, there must be, marking should be placed there as flour and the date of manufacture as well as the expiry date."

"So therefore, since it violated the Consumer Act, what should you do?" Arroyo asked anew.

Morales explained that charges have been filed against Rubill before the DoJ and that the respondents have until April 25 to respond.

"So April 25 is the next red letter day for the case that you submitted yesterday [Tuesday]?" the President asked.

Morales also said that since the shipment could now be considered contraband materials, forfeiture proceedings have started so that government could take hold of them. He told the President that the proceedings would be final by April 30.

Aside from smuggling charges, Morales said they also filed an administrative case against three of its personnel -- Jennifer Namuag, Mel Rabo, and Gregorio Magat, all of the warehousing division ? for alleged "inefficiency and incompetence in the performance of official duties and conduct."

"So what is the next stage now that you've filed administrative charges?" Arroyo asked.

"I learned that the human resource and management division already served them copies of the administrative charges," Sarmiento said.

"So what is the next stage," Arroyo interjected anew.

He replied, "The hearing proper."

"And when is the hearing going to happen?" Arroyo asked.

"Your honor, Madam President it will be set by the prosecution and litigation division of the legal service," Sarmiento replied.

Morales said that he would direct the legal service now.

"Why don't you call him now, why don't you call him now," Arroyo said.

A certain lawyer identified only as Gatchalian, acting chief of the prosecution division, said he would immediately issue the subpoena.

"What is the meaning of immediate? Like after I leave or shall I wait for it?" Arroyo asked.

Gatchalian said he would issue the subpoena within the day. By law, those charged have 10 days to answer, he added.

When asked if the President was contented with their explanation, Morales said he believed that they have done their job.

After her visit at the BoC, Arroyo flew to Surigao City to inagurate the Tag-Iho Bridge in Dinagat town.

On Thursday, the President will open the four-day First Siargao Invitational Game Fishing Competition in Siargao Island, a northeastern tourist destination island of the CARAGA region.

The fishing tourney, which will be kicked off by the President at the Mapopongko Beach, is expected to boost this island's bid to be known as the country's Game Fishing Capital aside from being the Philippines' Surfing Capital.